Whether you call them homilies, sermons, or talks, there’s a lot you can learn from the spiritual leaders in our community. While in a perfect world, you’d have time to listen to everyone, that simply isn’t possible for most with limited time to spare. To help, we’ve surfaced and summarized the teachings from the audio sermons of some of the most influential priests and pastors from around town and in the Christian sphere.
You can skip to a specific section by clicking the links below.
Jump to:
- Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Buckhead Church
- Cathedral of Christ the King
- Passion City Church
- Trinity Anglican Church
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Fr. Mike Schmitz
Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about winning and what it means. He starts with the example of Michael Phelps, the greatest Olympian of all time, who won 28 medals, 23 of them gold. However, Phelps also struggled with depression after the Olympics, and he even considered suicide. Fr. Mike Schmitz says that this is a common experience for many people who achieve great things. They may feel lost and empty after they have reached their goals.
Fr. Mike Schmitz then tells the story of Elijah, a prophet in the Bible who had a great victory over the prophets of Baal. However, after this victory, Elijah was depressed and wanted to die. Fr. Mike Schmitz says that this is another example of how even the greatest people can experience defeat after victory.
Fr. Mike Schmitz then goes on to talk about what a “win” means in different areas of life, such as sports, business, and parenting. He says that for him, a “win” is being able to share his faith with others and help them encounter Jesus.
Finally, Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes by saying that the greatest win of all is to encounter Jesus Christ himself. He tells the story of St. Thomas Aquinas, who was asked by God what reward he would receive for all his labors. St. Thomas replied, “Lord, I would not accept any other compensation without you yourself.”
Listen to the full version here.
Buckhead Church
The Responsables
Andy Stanley focuses on the importance of taking personal responsibility for one’s life. He emphasizes that this concept is not just about paying bills or following rules,but about proactively addressing past mistakes and preparing for future challenges.
Stanley argues that taking responsibility is crucial for personal growth and fulfilling one’s potential. He challenges listeners to honestly assess their lives and identify areas where they might be falling short. By avoiding excuses and facing challenges head-on, individuals can experience greater fulfillment and avoid hurting others.
The sermon delves into the theological implications of responsibility. Stanley connects the concept to Christian teachings, emphasizing that taking responsibility is an essential aspect of loving one’s neighbor. He highlights the importance of fulfilling obligations, paying debts, and honoring commitments as acts of love.
In conclusion, Stanley encourages listeners to become “superheroes” by embracing responsibility. He emphasizes that taking responsibility is not just about avoiding negative consequences but about actively contributing to a better world. By living responsibly, individuals can experience personal growth, strengthen relationships, and honor God.
Listen to the full version here.
Cathedral of Christ The King
Fr. Juan Carlos reflects on the profound impact of bringing Communion to the sick. He describes the joy and peace experienced by those receiving the Eucharist, even in the face of illness. A particular encounter with a dying man who found peace after receiving Communion deeply reinforces the transformative power of Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist.
The homily delves into the theological significance of the Eucharist. Fr. Juan Carlos emphasizes that Jesus is not merely a historical figure but the living bread from heaven. The Eucharist is a tangible manifestation of God’s love and presence in the world. He calls on the congregation to recognize the Eucharist as a daily encounter with the divine and to live their lives as living tabernacles carrying Christ’s love within them.
Fr. Juan Carlos connects the Eucharist to service and charity. He underscores the importance of embodying the Eucharistic spirit through acts of kindness and compassion towards the marginalized. Just as the Eucharist is a gift freely given, so too should Christians offer their time, talents, and resources to those in need.
Fr. Juan Carlos concludes by offering practical suggestions for deepening one’s faith in the Eucharist. He encourages regular Eucharistic adoration, study of Scripture, and exploring the phenomenon of Eucharistic miracles. Ultimately, he calls on the congregation to become missionaries of the Eucharist by sharing its transformative power with others.
Listen to the full version here.
Passion City Church
In Louie Giglio’s sermon, he reflects on the importance of understanding the “why” behind giving, especially in the context of faith and church contributions. He begins by challenging the notion that God needs our money, emphasizing instead that the mission of God on Earth requires financial resources. Giglio highlights that while God owns everything, including the “cattle on a thousand hills,” our contributions are crucial for the Church’s mission to spread the Gospel globally. He underscores the idea that the most important mission on Earth is to tell everyone about Jesus, and this mission is expensive, requiring believers to invest their resources.
Giglio also explores how our generosity plays a significant role in the story of God. He explains that giving is not just about the amount but about the heart behind it. He shares examples from his own church, where donations ranged from substantial sums to a single mom’s sacrificial $480. Giglio emphasizes that such acts of generosity, regardless of the amount, are valuable in God’s eyes and have the power to set “heaven off into thunderous applause.” This giving, he suggests, writes us into the larger narrative of God’s work on Earth.
Additionally, Giglio recounts a personal story about the miraculous provision of a church building for Passion City Church. He describes how a chance conversation with another pastor led to the discovery of a location for the church, which was initially an abandoned Home Depot Expo Design Center. This story illustrates the theme of God’s provision and how stepping out in faith, even when the resources or plans are unclear, can lead to miraculous outcomes.
Ultimately, Giglio calls his congregation to see their financial contributions as a critical part of fulfilling the most important mission on Earth—spreading the Gospel. He encourages them to give generously, not just to meet a financial need, but to participate in God’s work and to experience the blessings that come from a heart fully surrendered to Him.
Listen to the full version here.
Trinity Anglican Church
Pastor Christian explores Jesus’ declaration, “I am the bread of life,” emphasizing its divine significance. She contrasts this with the Israelites’ grumbling in the wilderness, highlighting their lack of trust in God’s provision. The pastor encourages listeners to consider their own doubts and disbelief in the face of life’s challenges.
Drawing a parallel between physical and spiritual nourishment, Christian emphasizes the continual need for Jesus as the source of life. She highlights the importance of persistent faith and trust in God, even in difficult times. The sermon encourages listeners to examine their own reliance on Jesus as their ultimate source of sustenance and fulfillment.
In conclusion, Pastor Christian challenges the congregation to consider their own response to Jesus’ claim. She prompts them to reflect on what hinders their faith and how they can deepen their trust in God as the Bread of Life. The sermon ends with a call to action, urging listeners to believe in Jesus’ promise of eternal life.
Listen to the full version here.
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